About the song
“Turn! Turn! Turn!”, also known by its full title “To Everything There Is a Season”, is a deeply resonant song penned by Pete Seeger in 1959, rooted in the ancient words of the Bible. The song’s lyrics are adapted almost verbatim from the third chapter of the Book of Ecclesiastes, a biblical text traditionally attributed to King Solomon, though its exact date of origin is debated among scholars. Seeger’s version preserves the poetic rhythm of Ecclesiastes, rearranging its verses to fit a musical form while maintaining the original’s contemplative essence.
Originally released in 1962 by the folk group The Limeliters and later by Seeger himself on his album *The Bitter and the Sweet*, the song did not gain widespread recognition until it was revitalized by the American folk rock band The Byrds in late 1965. Their rendition of the song, which included a new folk rock arrangement, quickly captured the public’s imagination. It debuted on the U.S. charts at number 80 on October 23, 1965, and surged to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 by December 4 of the same year. The Byrds’ version also achieved notable success in Canada and the UK, cementing its place in popular music history.
The lyrics of “Turn! Turn! Turn!” reflect a profound philosophical and existential meditation on the cyclical nature of life. They enumerate a series of opposites—birth and death, joy and sorrow, peace and war—implying that there is an appropriate time for every human experience. This biblical passage, set to Seeger’s melody, resonates with universal themes of change and continuity.
Seeger’s adaptation emphasizes a plea for peace, with the final line—”a time for peace, I swear it’s not too late”—offering a hopeful call for harmony amidst life’s perpetual flux. The song’s integration of biblical text into a contemporary context underscores its timeless relevance and appeal.
The Byrds’ version of “Turn! Turn! Turn!” not only popularized the song but also marked a significant moment in the evolution of folk rock. Their arrangement, characterized by jangly guitars and harmonious vocals, became a quintessential example of the genre. The recording process for the song was extensive, taking the Byrds numerous takes over several days to perfect, but the effort was well rewarded with critical acclaim and commercial success.
In subsequent years, “Turn! Turn! Turn!” has been embraced by a diverse array of artists and has appeared in various media, including films and television shows. The song’s enduring legacy is a testament to its powerful message and the Byrds’ innovative approach to folk rock. The recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001, reflecting its lasting impact on both music and culture.
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Lyrics
To everything, turn, turn, turn
There is a season, turn, turn, turn
And a time to every purpose under heaven
A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep
To everything, turn, turn, turn
There is a season, turn, turn, turn
And a time to every purpose, under heaven
A time to build up, a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones
A time to gather stones together
To everything, turn, turn, turn
There is a season, turn, turn, turn
And a time to every purpose under heaven
A time of love, a time of hate
A time of war, a time of peace
A time you may embrace
A time to refrain from embracing
To everything, turn, turn, turn
There is a season, turn, turn, turn
And a time to every purpose under heaven
A time to gain, a time to lose
A time to rend, a time to sew
A time for love, a time for hate
A time for peace, I swear it’s not too late
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